WhatsApp is working on a username feature for the web client

WhatsApp is still interested in offering a feature that allows users to create unique usernames in the future, enhancing privacy by enabling them to connect with others without revealing their phone numbers. This feature is currently in development and it will be available in a future update of the web client.

Last year, we announced that WhatsApp was working on a feature to create a username from the web client. This feature will allow users to personalize their profiles and connect with others using a unique identifier. With this enhancement, users will be able to find and connect with their friends, family, and contacts without needing to share their phone numbers in the future, adding an extra layer of privacy and convenience. Although it is still in development, it appears that WhatsApp is now committed to further refining this feature before its official release by introducing a new redesigned interface, as discovered in the latest updates of WhatsApp Web.

As you can see from the attached screenshot, it is evident that WhatsApp is still exploring the introduction of an option aimed at allowing users to create a username, scheduled for release in a future update. This new feature will allow users to select their preferred username, provided it hasn't already been taken by someone else. Unlike in the past on platforms like Discord, WhatsApp usernames will be unique and will not include a discriminator or tag. This means that each username will be one-of-a-kind, preventing any confusion or duplication.

Users will need to check the availability of their desired username during the setup process to secure their unique identifier. This approach enhances privacy and simplifies the process of finding and connecting with others by allowing users to choose a username that uniquely represents them without disclosing their phone number. However, people who already have your phone number will still be able to find you on WhatsApp, ensuring that your existing contacts or other people you trust can continue to reach you using the default method. Once a username is set, only those who know either your username or phone number will be able to contact you on WhatsApp, adding a layer of control over who can initiate conversations with you and further protecting your personal information.

Although WhatsApp has been working on introducing this feature for some time, the feature is still in development at this stage, which means specific details about its release date and availability remain uncertain. The development process involves extensive testing and refinement to ensure the feature meets user expectations and provides a secure and bug-free experience. Since this is a completely new communication system, integrating a username-based system requires significant changes to existing infrastructure. As a result, a precise timeline for the feature's rollout is not yet available.

A feature to choose a username is under development and it will be available in a future update of the web client. We will provide more information about this feature in a future article as soon as additional details are available.

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